Katya Ryabova 🔜 Gamescom
@katyar.bsky.social
Video games freelance writer & journalist. Gaming, motherhood, drinks. She/her. Substack: playingthisweek.substack.com Coffee and games fund: https://ko-fi.com/katyar Toronto 🇨🇦
First off, what a cool looking game. Can't wait to play. Second, the interview where the game's creative director is asked "on Steam? What's that?" "it's a purchase game?" and "is there any chance it could go on Roblox?" is a real snapshot of where gaming's at.
Brad Shankar@bradshankar.bsky.social · 7h agoVery cool seeing @kittencupstudio.bsky.social on CP24 talking about @capycastaway.com this morning. We need more mainstream coverage of games like this!
Also enjoyed the offhanded comment about how there aren't many "kid-friendly" games and the assumption that the game would be free to download (I assume because Fortnite?)
Nirvanna The Band Nirvanna The Band The Show
Alt: Nirvanna The Band the Show the Movie
static.klipy.com
To that point, though, it’s hilarious how the hosts had no idea what Steam is and asked if this game would “go on Roblox.” 💀 We also need more of this kind of mainstream coverage so games aren’t still seen as this foreign concept to so many people like this.
Hollering at our local breakfast news TV coverage of Capy Castaway by @kittencupstudio.bsky.social. Laughing so I don't cry... The hosts' questions are well-intentioned, but the lack of basic understanding of gaming is astounding. Saffron handled it like a champ tho 💪 www.cp24.com/video/2026/0...
Anniversary of capybaras escaping High Park inspires video game
Creative Director and CEO of Kitten Cup Studio Saffron Aurora on how ‘Capy Castaway’ pays tribute to Toronto and the capybara escape at High Park ten years ago.
cp24.com
It's a sad day for travel, for Steam beta has finally stopped working on my Chromebook. No games on the road for me!
"For once, I don’t want to be a cautiously optimistic cynic. I want something to look forward to that’s unique, local, and made with soul. I want to be excited with no reservations." Read my latest on @playhilltop.bsky.social Curse of Resthaven demo: playingthisweek.substack.com/p/curse-of-r...
A detailed look at Curse of Resthaven demo
Hilltop Studios' work-in-progress is ambitious and atmospheric, and I can't wait to see more.
playingthisweek.substack.com
The demo is good, guys and gals and nonbinary pals. It's SO GOOD. Don't miss it.
Hilltop Studios@playhilltop.bsky.social · 5d agoExpect a substantial 1.5+ hour adventure featuring gorgeous hand-drawn art, a phenomenal voice cast, and just enough of Resthaven's mysteries to leave you wanting more. Let us know what you uncover, and what you think is really happening on the island. store.steampowered.com/app/4661280/...
After months of hard work, we're thrilled to finally welcome you to the island of Resthaven. The Curse of Resthaven demo is LIVE. Come experience our unique blend of investigation, trading, deck-building, and gothic horror, and begin unraveling the mystery at the heart of the island.
Ten years with the love of my life, and he's just getting more handsome. The literal devil, that Matthew G. Gosh I'm so lucky.
It is in fact racist to call an Arab with views you disagree with an antisemite. I know this will be a surprise to many but unless that person is actually saying something antisemitic, the Arab is not genetically predisposed to antisemitism
working on a new project for @aftermath.site: a semi-comprehensive, regularly-updated list of every game studio that refuses to use AI. if that sounds like your studio, message me with the reason(s) why as well as basic details about what you make. DMs open and email is nathan@aftermath.site
The plan is to continually update this list. If your studio has rejected generative AI, get in touch!
Nathan Grayson@nathangrayson.bsky.social · last wk.I plan to continue updating this list... forever, so if you'd like your studio to be included, get in touch! my DMs are open, and my email is nathan@aftermath.site. please include studio name, games you've made, and the reasoning behind your anti-AI stance
Made a (sort of) breakthrough in my late-game save file of Blue Prince, and I feel like a genius once again. Now to figure out everything else...
My home on Discord that connected me to so many wonderful people. Nothing little about this victory!
AndresPlays@andresplays.bsky.social · last wk.Today is the Little Victories Discord's first anniversary. Of all the things I've done in my life, this is what I am most proud of. To have the most fascinating people share their gaming views, debate amicably, and show their pets is the best. Here's an invite: discord.gg/8rz88xBhEx
Set your alarm clocks!
Hilltop Studios@playhilltop.bsky.social · last wk.HUGE week for Curse of Resthaven. Our demo launches Friday as an official selection of the inaugural @sixoneindie.com Demo Days Steam event. Your first journey to the island begins July 31 • 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT on on youtube.com/SixOneIndie See you on Resthaven. #indiedev #gothichorror #demo
Fell back into my obsession with Blue Prince. Mt Holly is home indeed.
I highly recommend avoiding any Valnet sites like Game Rant. They underpay writers & also allegedly are replacing some with AI. This also includes: TheGamer Collider Comic Book Resources MovieWeb Screen Rant XDA Developers GiveMeSport MakeUseOf How-To Geek CarBuzz HotCars TopSpeed Military.com
Mega 🎮😈@megamachina.bsky.social · 2w agoAdd GameRant onto the list of gaming websites no longer considered reliable in information because they can be easily bought to spread misinformation.
I’m of the mind that one way to deal with the overwhelming glut of video games to cover is to demand they earn the effort and attention and man it really seems like they didn’t with this Halo remake. Why cross the picket line on top of that
Yussef@youmeyou.bsky.social · 2w agohm yes let’s ignore BDS and review both the most perfunctory AND most microsoft thing possible, halo. Surely that will save games criticism.
That's going to be an ear worm for sure
Bart Simpson Sways Happily at the Table
Alt: Bart Simpson Sways Happily at the Table
static.klipy.com
Hilltop Studios@playhilltop.bsky.social · 2w agoMusic is so important to our games, and Curse of Resthaven is no exception. Here’s a teaser, perhaps slightly inspired by Toss a Coin to Your Witcher, ahead of the demo going live SOON. For a deeper dive, check out our new Dev Diary on Steam… and toss a wishlist to your Witch...er, indie game!
Some thoughts on the games I've finished (or not) and a few journalism/life updates. This week's post is pretty short: open.substack.com/pub/playingt...
The state of affairs and games played
Bits and bobs and odds and ends, July 2026 edition
open.substack.com
Young Suns features dynamic storytelling that looks to the future with a radically optimistic viewpoint, focusing on the work that comes after liberation. You can help support a queer- and trans-led indie studio by wishlisting Young Suns on Steam! store.steampowered.com/app/4149610/...
Have YOU lost a farm in stardew valley/animal crossing? Tell me your tale of woe (for a story) email in bio, DMs open, share widely please and thank you
Just rolled credits on The Big Con by @mightyyell.bsky.social, and what a freakin' gem of a game! I laughed, I cried, I stole from little kids, I saved the video store, and got my spirits lifted in the process. Big recommend: store.steampowered.com/app/1139280/...
The Big Con on Steam
Hustle your way across ‘90s America as a runaway teen con artist. Choose how to make your scratch as you don disguises, pick pockets, and rip people off in this comedic crime-filled adventure. Experie...
store.steampowered.com
Can't believe my luck that this beautiful human lives close enough to be lured into hanging out with me! 💛💛💛
Iffi Mooz’pan@iffimoozipan.bsky.social · 2w agoIf you asked me a year ago what friendship looks like, I’d give you an answer that’s both convoluted and circular, full of non-sequitors and contradictions, ending in verbal dribble with no inherent meaning. Ask me today and the answer’s easy — I’d just show you a picture. @katyar.bsky.social ✨
*Okay, but we are also looking for Canadian content creators! 🍁 We're waiving the usual aptitude test** and will accept most applicants into the program. You will receive your initiation kit in the mail if you sign up using the email below! 💌
